Railroad Settlement and Esophageal Cancer
Railroad workers are often exposed to cancer-causing substances in their work environment. Some workers develop lung cancer, mesothelioma and other diseases from their exposures.
Our attorneys obtained summary judgment in a case that was filed before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama on behalf of a major railroad company. Plaintiff claimed that his cancer resulted by exposure to asbestos, diesel exhaust and creosote.
Risk Factors
Different factors can determine the type of cancer in an esophagus. Risk factors are changeable in some cases, but others like the family history or age cannot be changed. The most prevalent type of esophageal cancer starts in the flat cells that comprise most of the lining of the esophagus, referred to as squamous cells. It is more prevalent among men and black individuals, but this trend is waning worldwide.
Multiple myeloma settlements contains glandular cells that secrete mucus that aids in the passage of food into the stomach. These cells are located near the stomach in the lower region of the esophagus. The most commonly encountered type of esophageal tumors found in these cells are adenocarcinomas. The majority of these tumors occur in black and white people, however they're on the decline in the United States.
The risk of developing esophageal cancer increases when a person smokes tobacco or drinks alcohol. Consuming alcohol for a long period of time increases the chance of developing squamous-cell carcinoma. This includes brewed tea in Northern China and Brandie whisky in the US and Europe. Colon cancer lawsuit settlements is also associated with the disease in Southern Africa and Latin America.
Railroad workers are exposed toxins which increase their risk of developing esophageal cancer. These include solvents used to clean equipment, herbicides that are applied on rail tracks to prevent the growth of plant growth, lead paints applied to railway bridges diesel exhaust fumes, and silica found in industrial materials. This type of cancer could be caused by the toxic chemical creosote used to treat railroad tie.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis that is made early can improve the odds of surviving. This is because esophageal cancer can be more curable when it is in its early stages and is not spreading to other organs. The first signs are difficulty swallowing, a loss of appetite and weight loss, hoarseness or coughing as well as chest pain and an impression that food particles are stuck in the throat (dysphagia).
Imaging tests can be utilized by a physician to diagnose the presence of esophageal cancer. These tests could include an upper-gastrointestinal test using a barium drink. This test involves swallowing harmless liquid that coats the esophagus's surface, and then make it visible on an X-ray. The doctor can also order blood tests to determine if there is anemia, and to determine how the liver's function is.
railroad injury settlement amounts who have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer may be entitled to compensation from railroad companies which exposed them to toxic substances in the workplace. A trained railroad esophageal cancer attorney can assess the situation of a person and provide the rights to claim financial compensation in accordance with the Federal Employers Liability Act.
An experienced FELA lawyer could begin to gather evidence that a railroad worker's stomach cancer was the result of the exposure they received from asbestos or diesel exhaust fumes as well as other chemicals. union pacific settlements could also help in determining the right amount of compensation to be paid for economic and non-economic losses.
Treatment
Railroad workers are exposed to a range of hazardous substances such as creosote, diesel exhaust asbestos and creosote. These substances can cause esophageal cancer by damaging the lining of your throat. Railroad workers are also at a greater risk of developing other diseases related to their work like mesothelioma or lung cancer.
The esophagus is the hollow muscular tube which connects the mouth to the stomach and carries liquids and food that is swallowed to the digestive tract. Esophageal cancer develops in cells that line the lining of stomach, also known as mucosa.
Esophageal cancer is treated in various ways. Surgery is usually paired with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.
Doctors can choose to use either endoscopic submucosal disection (ESD) or endoscopic mucosal removal (EMR) for cancers at stage I. railroad injury settlement amounts are minimally invasive, and don't require the removal of the esophagus. In these procedures, doctors use an endoscope to remove precancerous tissues, and for analyzing the symptoms of cancer.
Doctors can use chemo, or a combination of chemo and radiation for stage II cancers. Chemotherapy drugs target cancerous cells and kill them. Radiation makes use of high-energy X-rays instead of a similar principle to destroy cancerous cells in the esophagus. If the tumor is in the upper region of the stomach, some patients might be treated with chemo instead of radiation.
Prognosis
An individual with esophageal tumor that hasn't spread (metastasized) is generally believed to have a good chance of survival. This is especially the case if the cancer is discovered in its early stages and treated promptly.
However, a person's outlook depends on the type of cancer and the stage of cancer at the moment they are diagnosed. For instance, a patient with squamous cell cancer that has not metastasized is believed to have a higher chance of survival than someone with adenocarcinoma which has not spread.
In some instances, the doctor may be able remove the tumor completely with surgery. This is known as Resection. This is more common in squamous-cell carcinomas and adenocarcinomas which have not spread.
Railroad employees who have been diagnosed with cancer or another chronic illness that is associated with their job may be eligible for financial compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act. If you suspect your illness is related to exposure at work, speak with an experienced railroad cancer settlement attorney promptly. You have three years under FELA to file an claim. If you weren't aware that your cancer was linked to your job when you were diagnosed, the statute of limitation could be extended. A lawyer who is familiar with FELA cases could evaluate your case and decide whether you should accept a settlement offer.